Senior Leadership Team

Principal

Michelle is Principal and Chief Executive of Southport College and KGV Sixth Form College, a position she took up in March 2020. Preceding this Michelle was the Deputy Principal at Runshaw College from January 2015 and Assistant Principal at Ashton Sixth Form College prior to that, with earlier curriculum leadership roles at Bury College and Bolton Sixth Form College.

Before qualifying as a teacher in further education, Michelle’s career began in Liverpool working in medical research at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. Michelle holds a Masters degree in Zoology (through research) from Leicester University and a BSc in Biological Sciences from Plymouth University. Michelle also supports the work of His Majesty’s Inspectorate, acting as an Ofsted Inspector.

Deputy Principal

Stephen joined the college as Assistant Principal in March 2021, after six years as the Head of Studies at Runshaw College and became Vice Principal in September 2023. Prior to this Stephen was Head of the Creative and Digital Industries Department at Warrington College and also spent eight years as Programme Area Leader at Cronton Sixth Form. Stephen was a professional dancer before entering Further Education and completed his degree at Bretton Hall (University of Leeds) and his Master’s degree at the University of Malta.

Stephen is also the College’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Vice Principal | Business Services

Paris joined the College as Assistant Principal in January 2022, after a year and a half as the Head of MIS & Registry at Plumpton College, and became Vice Principal in September 2023. Prior to this Paris was the Associate Dean of MIS at Highbury Burton Saudi Arabia and also spent 8 years at Highbury College as a Student Records Lead, Apprenticeships Progression Officer and Data Analysis, plus various other support roles.

Paris is a firm believer in Further Education and the knowledge and skills Apprenticeships can bring being a former apprentice himself when he started his career in further education.

Vice Principal | People and Culture

Vice Principal | Finance

Paula serves as the Vice Principal for Finance at the Southport Education Group, having joined the organisation in August 2023 as Director of Finance. She brings more than two decades of senior management experience within the further education sector.

Before working in the further education sector, Paula qualified as an accountant and gained valuable expertise working in finance teams across a range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, housing, and the charity sector.

Assistant Principal | Learner Development and Careers

Since joining the college in 2015, Rachael has brought a deep commitment to student success and personal development across a range of leadership roles, including Careers and Learning Centre Co-ordinator, Progress Manager, Head of Studies and currently, Assistant Principal. Rachael is also the Careers Lead for the college.

Prior to entering the education sector, Rachael gained valuable experience in adult social care, welfare-to-work programmes, and family liaison—fields that continue to inform a holistic and empathetic approach to leadership and student engagement.

With a degree in Childhood and Youth Studies and Criminology from Edge Hill University, and her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Rachael has combined this academic foundation with a passion for lifelong learning and social impact to underpin her dedication to fostering achievement and resilience in every learner.

Assistant Principal | Curriculum, Planning and Projects

Teresa joined Southport College as a plumbing lecturer in 2008, she has enjoyed a variety of roles within the college including Curriculum Leader, Head of Department, Director of Curriculum and Assistant Principal.

Prior to joining the college, Teresa taught Business and Public Services at Blackburn College before retraining as a plumber and setting up her own business. Teresa missed being in the education sector and returned in 2008. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and is mountain leader trained having had the pleasure of accompanying learners on various expeditions in the UK and overseas.

Assistant Principal | Curriculum, Quality and Learning

Jane is Assistant Principal for Quality, Curriculum, and Teaching & Learning. With over 25 years of experience in further and higher education, Jane has held a variety of leadership roles, including Director of Study Programmes, and Director of Student Services at KGV Sixth Form College. She has led on A level provision and sixth form curriculum development, with a focus on quality assurance.

Jane began her career teaching law at Southport College and has also worked as an Associate Lecturer with The Open University. Other roles included Senior Tutor at Hugh Baird College and Aim Higher Coordinator at Southport College. She holds an undergraduate degree in Law and a Masters degree in International Law from the University of Liverpool.